A stitch in time saves nine – Here is an idiom we often hear that has roots in sewing. #astitchintime #idioms #savesnine
A stitch in time saves nine
First off what is an idiom? I answer that too, so we can learn more about this phrase.
According to Google Dictionary which uses the Oxford Dictionary says an idiom is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.
One meaning can be if you sort out the problem before hand it can save extra work later making it a form of a proverb.
The term is believed to first appear in 1732 in Thomas Fuller’s Gnomologia, Adagies and Proverbs, Wise Sentences and Witty Sayings, Ancient and Modern, Foreign and British.
Perhaps the saying has been around even before that 1732 publication.
Another thought is that sewing up a small rip with one stitch means the tear is less likely to get bigger, and need more – or, well, nine – stitches later on.
Basically it is better to fix a problem when it is small than to wait and let it become a bigger problem.
Another meaning could relate to procrastination (putting something off for a later time). For example, it is better to spend extra time now than to wait until later. Waiting could make it worse and or take longer to deal with it.
It is not totally known who actually came up with the term originally or even the true significance with stitches or the number nine.
But yet another meaning could relate to weary mothers who were mending their children’s clothing.
Another way to rephrase this saying is to word it, “One stitch, in time, saves nine stitches,” meaning that mending a tear right away would only require one instead of the many stitches later if the tear goes unfixed and worsens.
similar idioms / proverbs
- “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”
- “there’s no time like the present”
Sources
Upcoming Events
This is a list of the upcoming events that Steve Sews will be at. If you know of one in the East Tennessee area, let me know.
None at this time. Check back later.
Meet …
Meet the staff and/or equipment for Steve Sews.
- Brother Stitch (Current Sewing Machine)
- Forge (Circuit)
- Interns
- Lovees (Stuffed Animals)
- Mendi (My Wife’s Sewing Machine)
- Rosie (Antique Sewing Machine)
- Steve (Steve himself)
- The Masked Bandit (Steve’s older Sewing Machine)
- Trainees
- Van the T-Rex (Helper)
- Zee (Face Mask Model)
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Don’t miss a single blog post about sewing, quilting, crafts, and recipes! Plus so much more!
Follow on WordPress
Follow Steve Sews Stuff on WordPress.comFollow Steve Sews Stuff on Social Media:
You can also choose to follow Steve Sews Stuff on social media as well. (@SteveSews2)
Below are some examples of blog entries from all blogs that I do. (Courageous Christian Father, Steve Sews Stuff and SteveZ DesignZ).
Recent Feed of All of Steve’s Blogs
Recent Posts on Steve Sews
Below is a list of the most recent blog posts found on Steve Sews for you to check out.
- National Small Business Day
National Small Business Day a day to honor and celebrate small businesses. #smallbusiness #smallbusinessday - Hurray for Buttons Day
Hurray for Buttons Day, Hooray for Buttons Day – buttons and buttons a day to be happy about buttons. #HurrayForButtonsDay #HoorayForButtonsDay - National Textile Day
National Textile Day is a celebration of the rich history and culture of textiles. It is a day to recognize the importance of the textile industry, which has played a crucial role in the development of many countries around the world. The day is celebrated annually on May 3rd. #TextileDay - National Zipper Day
National Zipper Day is a day to honor that sewing and clothing accessory the zipper. #Zipper #ZipperDay - Embracing Eeyore Day: Celebrating Resilience and Hope
Embracing Eeyore Day: Celebrating Resilience and Hope – In the Hundred Acre Wood, where imagination thrives and friendships are formed, there exists a character known for his somber disposition, yet enduring resilience. #Eeyore #EeyoreDay Embracing Eeyore Day: Celebrating Resilience and Hope Eeyore, the lovable, gloomy donkey, has captured the hearts of many with his honest portrayal of life’s challenges. To honor his spirit and inspire a positive outlook amidst adversity, fans around the world celebrate Eeyore Day. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of Eeyore Day and explore the valuable lessons we can learn from this iconic… Continue reading Embracing Eeyore Day: Celebrating Resilience and Hope
Clipart: Unsplash, Pixabay, Pexels, Openverse, Adobe Express, Adobe Stock, FreePik, MetroCreative, Wonder AI, Algo AI and more. This site uses Amazon Affiliate Ads & Google Ads.
About Post Author
